Page 23 of Prospecting

“This is Captain Mlaf Tonek,” Cade said. “This is my mate, Sheridan Pitroski.”

“We believe your reputation is what saved her,” Captain Tonek said. “Apparently the first vendor realized you were newly mated. He’s a known contact with the traffickers, though we haven’t got enough to shut him down.”

“I wondered why he acted so strangely,” Sheridan said.

“Strange how,” Captain Tonek asked.

“He seemed to almost drool when I walked in but as soon as I told him I was getting things for Cade, he couldn’t get me out of there fast enough,” Sheridan said.

“What did you pay for the items,” Cade asked. When she told him, he raised his eyebrows.

“Unusual for him to sell at a discount,” Captain Tonek said. “He didn’t want to mess with you.”

“He asked if I was a passenger, I told him we were together,” Sheridan said.

“He’s had problems with Sinivites in the past,” Captain Tonek said. “It’s possible he didn’t want to risk it.”

“Oh,” Sheridan said, her face going pale.

Cade put his arm around her. “It’s my fault,” he said. “I should have been clearer. It won’t happen again.”

“Good. Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Captain Tonek said.

“Cade, I’m sorry,” Sheridan said. “I didn’t think.”

“It’s all right,” Cade said looking around. “Go up. I’m almost done.”

Sheridan turned, confused whether he was mad at her or not. She returned to the upper level. She tidied up the bathroom, kitchen, and main room. She sat in the co-pilot’s chair and pulled up the comp. She looked at the notices for the area. Reading about the missing women, she felt sick to her stomach. It was worse than what happened to her sister.

It took him an hour, but Cade returned to the upper level. He found her reading a message from her family. “If you give me a few to shower, we can go out,” he said.

“No,” Sheridan said.

“You said you wanted to see,” he said confused.

“I’ve read enough,” she said. “We can go anytime you want.”

Cade said, “I’m taking a shower.”

***

Pulling on clean clothes, Cade said, “Come here.”

Sheridan looked over her shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I really didn’t understand.”

“I know,” Cade said. “Come here.”

Rolling her eyes, she rose and walked to him. He grabbed her, wanted her beneath him but his lap would have to do. “You’re right. I was treating you like a child. I was being careful because I didn’t want you reminded of what happened to your sister.”

“I’m sorry I made you mad,” Sheridan said.

“Scared the hell out of me,” Cade said. “I saw your note and my heart stopped. I was headed out to find you. I wasn’t mad at you.”

“Why the angry kissing,” she said.

“Not angry, scared,” Cade said. “I know. It felt like angry. Sinivites are possessive of their mates.”

“You’ve said,” Sheridan said. She curled into him, lay her head on his shoulder.

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